Newell’s are now out of chances to qualify for the Fase Campeonato as a result of their 2-0 away defeat at Boca Juniors last Sunday. The team managed four points so far as a product of a single victory, one draw and three losses in the Copa Liga Profesional, which is far below the fans’ expectations.
Nicolas Orsini’s strike allowed Lanus to grab a key 1-0 home win over Talleres in a hard-fought game last weekend. After two consecutive successes in the Copa Liga Profesional, Lanus made it seven points in five rounds. They continue occupying the third spot in group 4, but will advance to the Fase Campeonato in the event of securing a victory here. El Granate won their last away top-flight game (2-1 at Boca Juniors) to break a seven-match winless streak on the road in domestic action (four draws and three defeats). Lanus won 6-2 at home over Bolivar from Bolivia on Wednesday 2 in the return leg of the Copa Sudamericana’s round-of-16 to advance to the quarter-finals, but coach Luis Zubeldia will pick his best XI in the league again. Lanus’ Alexandro Bernabei is suspended after seeing a red card against Talleres while Jose Sand and Lautaro Acosta, their most experienced strikers who are affected by mild injuries, will rest in view of next Thursday’s game against Independiente at home in Copa Sudamericana action.
Lanus must win to advance but they won’t have their two best and most experienced strikers, and having this game in between Copa Sudamericana games means they could be tired and not fully focused.